Fred Heerema

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” Psalm 91: 1-2

The Heerema family announces, with deep sadness, the passing of our dear father, Opa, great Opa, brother, and uncle. Fred Jacob Heerema, age 92, of Murillo, passed away peacefully on the morning of Wednesday, October 5th, 2016 at Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre. Fred was born in Winsum, Groningen, the Netherlands on May 25, 1924. He and his family lived and survived through World War II. Together with the Heerema family, he immigrated to Canada in 1952 with his wife, Jane, and their baby boy Frans. 

Fred received his education in the Netherlands, and worked there for his father in the dairy industry. Upon his arrival in Canada, he took a job working for Mr. Herman Prenger Sr. at the Holland Dairy. Fred, Jane and Frans made their first home at the Dodick farm in Stanley. In 1954, he joined his father and the rest of his family in the operation of the Maple Leaf Dairy and dairy farm on Dawson Road, McIntyre Township. Fred milked the cows, processed the milk, and took care of the deliveries. He also made the yogurt and was one of the first to make yogurt in Thunder Bay. In 1965, the retail side of Maple Leaf Dairy was sold to what was then known as Kellough Brothers Dairy, and Fred and his brother Henry continued to operate the dairy farm until 1971. Fred decided to go out on his own, and moved the family to a farm he and Jane had purchased in Murillo. In 1983, Heeraldic Farms Inc. was established and Fred continued to work as long as he was physically able. Working with his children and grandchildren on the farm and in the fields was the pride and joy of his life. 

In his younger days, Fred played the trumpet in a band with his father and brothers, which lead to his love of music. He loved watching Dutch television especially his favourite show Nederland Zingt. Another one of Fred’s favourite past times was fishing, and he would often sneak away to go fishing down at the Kaministiqua River at the back of the farm property. Fred also enjoyed photography; whether it was taking pictures on trips, of his grandchildren, or nature. In later years, Fred also took up the hobby of puzzle making, building models of planes and boats and never missed completing the Sunday word search. 

He was a faithful and founding lifelong member of the Bethlehem Christian Reformed Church. 

Fred and Jane met as children in Winsum and already by the 4th grade; Fred knew he had met the love of his life. They married on November 1st, 1949 and had 67 wonderful years together. Throughout those years Fred & Jane created a beautiful family of 6 children, 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Nothing made him happier than being surrounded by his family, and he truly was the best Pa & Opa you could ask for. 

Fred is survived by his wife, Jane. His children, Frans & Linda Heerema, Harold & Geri Heerema, Ed & Dianne Heerema (Emo, Ontario), Fred Jr. Heerema and Marja & David Mack. Grandchildren, Jesse & Louise Heerema (Maes, LouLou, Isabelle), Kristen & Jon Pelster (Ava, Cade, Aliyah, Owen) (Calgary, Alberta), Jeff Heerema (Rachael Shaffer), Jordan & Lindsey Heerema (Jillian) (Edmonton, Alberta), Kaleigh Heerema (Matt Caputo), Brent & Kristin Heerema, Jared Heerema (Melanie Blake), Kurtis & Lindsay Heerema (Quinn) (Blaine, Minnesota), Luke & Gillian Heerema (Beck), Renee & Shane Kannegiesser, Aaron & Katherine Heerema (Hudson, Emalyn, Arwen), Justine Mack (Shane Pawluk), Caleb Heerema (Ottawa, Ontario), Shaina Mack (Matthew Burns). 

Also survived by his siblings, Klazien & Heero Huitsing, Alice Prenger, Jack & Irene Heerema all from Thunder Bay, and Willemina & Ed Grootenboer (Waterloo, Ontario), sister-in-laws, Barbara Heerema (Lantana, Florida) and Gini Corporaal (Zwolle, Netherlands). As well as many other nephews and nieces. 
Fred is predeceased by his son, Randy in 2004, his parents Heerke & Willemtje Heerema, his siblings and in-laws Henry & Nellie Heerema, Pieter & Elly Heerema, Theresa & Henk Guther, Arie Heerema, Herman Prenger, Harry Heerema, Carol Heerema, Netty & Dick Kok, and two infant sisters. As well as his in-laws from the Netherlands, Reindeer & Geertje Corporaal (Den Haag), Neel Corporaal (Groningen), Ge & Jan Groeneveld (Haren), Gerrit Corporaal (Zwolle). 

The family would like to say thank you for the care provided at home by CCAC, Bayshore and Wesway. Also thank you to the nursing staff of 2B at the TBRHSC. 

Memorial service for the late Fred Sr. Heerema will be held on Wednesday, October 12th, 2016 at 1:00 pm with family and friends gathering at First Christian Reformed Church (Cooper Road off of Hwy 130). A private interment service will be held prior to the memorial service at Stanley Hill Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, October 11th at 7:00 pm at the Everest Funeral Chapel, 299 Waverley Street at Algoma.

If desired, donations can be made in Fred’s honour to the Heart and Stroke Foundation and/or World Renew.